Key points
The driver and all passengers, of any age, must wear safety belts.
Source: Handbook p. 64
“The driver and all passengers, regardless of age, in a passenger vehicle are required to use safety belts if occupying a seat in a vehicle equipped with a safety belt.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 64Children under 8 must ride in a federally approved child seat unless they are more than 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Source: Handbook p. 64
“Any child under 8 years old must be secured in a federally approved child car seat if occupying a seat in a vehicle equipped with a safety belt, unless the child is more than 4’9” tall.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 64The driver can be cited for not buckling up and for each child under 17 who is not in a safety seat or belt.
Source: Handbook p. 64
“A driver can receive a citation for not wearing his/her safety belt and for not having each child under the age of 17 in a safety seat or safety belt.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 64Anyone who is at least 15 years of age can receive a citation for not wearing a safety belt.
Source: Handbook p. 64
“Anyone who is at least 15 years of age can receive a citation for not wearing a safety belt.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 64It is an offense to drive an open bed truck while a child under 18 rides in the bed.
Source: Handbook p. 64
“It is an offense to drive an open bed truck, an open flatbed truck, or to draw an open flatbed trailer when a child who is younger than 18 years of age is occupying the bed”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 64It is against the law to read, write or send messages on a phone while driving.
Source: Handbook p. 54
“It is against the law to read, write, or send messages on a cell phone or other portable wireless device.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 54Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“If you are under 18 years of age, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving even if it is a hands-free device except in the case of emergency.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 48If drivers react just a half second slower because of distractions, crashes double.
Source: Handbook p. 54
“If drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, crashes double.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 54
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 8 years old | age below which a child seat is required | Handbook p. 64 |
| 4 feet 9 inches | height that exempts a child from the car seat rule | Handbook p. 64 |
| 17 | driver is cited for unbelted children under this age | Handbook p. 64 |
| 15 | age at which you are cited for your own belt | Handbook p. 64 |
| 18 | children younger than this may not ride in an open bed | Handbook p. 64 |
| 18 | drivers under this age may not use any phone | Handbook p. 48 |
| 0.5 seconds | a half-second slower reaction doubles crashes | Handbook p. 54 |
3 questions from the Texas practice test
1. Which child passenger restraint rule applies in Texas?
- A child may use an adult belt at any age if seated in the back
- Every child under 12 must use a rear-facing seat regardless of height
- A child under 8 must use a federally approved child car seat unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches
- Only children under 4 years old need a federally approved restraint
Show answer
A child under 8 must use a federally approved child car seat unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Texas requires a federally approved child car seat for a child under 8 who occupies a seat equipped with a safety belt, unless that child is more than 4 feet 9 inches tall. Age alone does not make every young passenger rear-facing, and sitting in the back does not eliminate the restraint requirement. The rule also reaches beyond children under four. The cue is to check both measurements: under eight and not over 4 feet 9 inches means use the approved child seat.
2. How much slower must a distracted driver react before crashes double, according to the Texas handbook?
- A half second
- Five seconds
- Two seconds
- One tenth of a second
Show answer
A half second. The handbook's distraction list includes reading, watching other people and aggressive drivers, talking or texting on a phone or CB radio, using navigation devices, daydreaming, and other mental distractions. It then gives a stark figure: if drivers react a half second slower because of distractions, crashes double. Half a second at highway speed is about 50 feet of travel. The other intervals are not the handbook's number.
3. What wireless communication device rule applies to Texas drivers under 18, including use of a hands-free device?
- Only texting is prohibited; calling is allowed hands-free
- Hands-free use is always permitted
- Use is restricted, including hands-free use, except in an emergency
- Use is allowed whenever the vehicle is moving below 30 mph
Show answer
Use is restricted, including hands-free use, except in an emergency. Texas restricts drivers under 18 from using a wireless communication device, and the rule expressly includes hands-free devices. The only stated exception is an emergency. A hands-free option is therefore not a general workaround, and the rule is broader than a texting-only ban. Vehicle speed also does not create permission. When reviewing this requirement, remember that the driver's age triggers the restriction and that the emergency exception is narrow. The rule is separate from whether the device is mounted, voice activated, or used for navigation.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with safe driving questions from the free Texas practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 14: Additional Safety Tips. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.